Providence Place, Brighton, United Kingdom

Divine intervention...

Sleek mixed-use facility to neighbour Grade I listed church in seaside city of Brighton, UK

CZWG Architects LLP has achieved planning approval for its mixed-use scheme in Brighton. The scheme sits next to the Grade I listed St. Bartholomew’s Church whose nave is one of the highest in Europe and thus has a significant presence in the area.

The proposed development for the client, Brick Limited, was to demolish the tired existing buildings and replace with a mixed-use four storey building with commercial at ground level and nine residential units above. The site which is close to Brighton’s railway station is part of the London road masterplan - a core area marked for improvement.

CZWG’s response to the scheme offers an attractive addition to the street facade which is sensitive to the neighbouring church. The height and proximity of the church has meant that the site suffers from shading on the western facade of the building. The scheme therefore has divided the residential area vertically into a terrace of 6 triplex flats with bedrooms arranged on the lower level and kitchen and open workspace/living space at the top.

Each triplex apartment and the one and two bedroom apartments all include external terraces. The ground floor offers space for a restaurant and is set back from the pavement to offer extended public realm space on the currently narrow road which separates the scheme from St Bartholomew’s Church.

As well as being a place of worship, St Bartholomew’s Church is a well established venue for the community and is used for various performances, exhibitions and meetings. The new commercial space at ground floor and the extended public realm will offer a new vibrancy to the area and compliment the functions taking place at the church. The scheme will regenerate Ann’s street as a key pedestrian route between Brighton railway station, the multi-storey car park and London road.